Does Louisiana require a pest control license?

It depends. The state divides all pest control employees into those with and without a license. Without a Louisiana pest control license, you are a technician who can only work under the supervision of a licensed pest control expert.

Are there different types of licenses for Louisiana?

Louisiana pest control licenses are divided into a few specific categories: general pest control, commercial vertebrate control, termite control, structural fumigation, commodity fumigation, and ship fumigation.

• General Pest – This is a general license for various pests in residential settings. They earn about $39,000 annually.
• Commercial Vertebrate – Commercial vertebrate is a license for rodents and other vertebrate animals in a commercial setting. They earn  about $50,000 annually.
• Termite – These inspectors know how to handle termites and other wood-destroying organisms. They get an average pay of about $36,000 per year.
• Structural Fumigation – These technicians know how to fumigate structures to kill termites and other pests. This job has an annual salary of around $40,000.
• Commodity Fumigation – This license lets pest control technicians keep food-based products and other commodities safe from pests. Their salary is about $40,000.
• Ship Fumigation – These fumigators work specifically on ships. Their license commands a higher salary of $62,000 annually.

How do I become licensed for pest control in Louisiana?

Louisiana is flexible in their licensing requirements. A Louisiana pest control license includes a combination of education and experience. You can choose to get a four-year degree with a major in entomology, four years of experience as an unlicensed technician under the supervision of a licensee, or a four-year degree with 12 semester hours in entomology and a year of experience being supervised by a licensed pest control expert.

If you choose to only get experience, you can meet the license’s education requirements without paying the $15,000 to $20,000 to attend school. To work in fumigation, you must complete a certain number of jobs under the supervision of a licensee, ranging from 50 to 200 jobs depending on the type of fumigation. A termite control license also requires com a comprehensive termite education course.

Then, you must take an exam held by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This costs $50. The exams are typically held in the beginning of the year, though they may schedule them at other times to accommodate school schedules. Your local career college will have courses to help you pass the test, or you can check out guides at your local library for free.

How to use your pest control license to get a job

Louisiana has an average pest control wage of $17.79 per hour. With a license, you can work independently and command a higher salary.

Louisiana has a high demand for pest control jobs due to its warm, damp climate. You can check with your local pest control companies for employment opportunities. During the interview, explain your years of experience and education. Interviews for pest control tend to include questions about your practical knowledge, so be prepared to respond effectively.

Pest control industry trends

The industry is moving toward more natural ingredients to satisfy consumer demands for reduced chemical exposure. The Louisiana Pest Management Association regularly holds events for home service professionals in the industry. The organization also offers supplemental training courses for licensed technicians.

Dangers of being a pest control technician

Wearing the proper equipment can ensure that the pesticides do not harm you directly. Unfortunately, this career can be dangerous even if you take proper precautions. Regular exposure to pesticides has been linked to increased risks of breathing problems, skin rashes, and cancers.

Is my pest control license Only Valid in Louisiana?

Yes, your Louisiana pest control license is only valid within the state. To get a new licensing card or to change your name/address, you will pay a $10 fee.

How often do I need to renew my pest control license in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s licenses expire every year on December 31. You must take a test to renew your license. Renewal costs $50, including registration and processing fees.